Alison Harvey outlined that the Minister had announced €2 million funding for Walled Towns projects in Ireland and that Fethard would be included. The Heritage Council will administer the fund. Alison outlined that the following plans were to be completed over the next year:

Conservation & Management Plan for Fethard Town Walls funded by Heritage Council

Feasibility Study for Town Hall Tholsel building funded by Heritage Council

Public Realm Plan for Fethard Town (similar to plan completed for Derry City) funded by Heritage Council and Failte Ireland

Alison outlined the process involved in preparation of Conservation and Management Plan and agreed to circulate details of the process to members. The expected time frame for the plan is nine months.

The following points were also raised in the discussion

Failte Ireland has identified 100 towns for funding under the NDP and Fethard is one of them.

Study boundaries in relation to plan should take into account important views and vistas and conservation and management plan should, in particular, enhance and conserve the southern view.

Lighting and signage strategy will be part of the C&M plan

Landscape conservation area should be considered

Noise and vibration study may be completed ASAP

Subgroup to meet and put forward proposals for ‘Walled Towns Day’ events in Fethard on 26th August ’07.

Fethard RFC Win First Munster Cup (Photos  Champions)Oh what a day! Oh what a great bunch of young men. Fethard Rugby Club’s under 14 team produced a scintillating display in Carrick on Sunday last to bring home the under-14 East Munster Cup.

Our gallant band of young men, captained by Daniel Hickey who produced another best personnel performance, started nervously and gave up easy ball to Kilfeacle who punished them with a well taken penalty in the first half to leave the score at 3 points to nil in favour of Kilfeacle at half time. All the parents mentors and supporters were on tenterhooks, as stout Kilfeacle defence had kept our team scoreless for the first half, despite having the bulk of the possession and playing the best rugby.

The half time talk from the coaches was direct and inspirational, with young Paul Ronan giving one of the most concise and motivational half time talks I have ever heard. The captain brought them into a huddle and the players prepared themselves for the battle of the second half and again listening to them as they roared out “Fethard  Fethard  Fethard” one could not but feel that something special was going to follow.

From the start of the second half when Kieran Power claimed the kick off and took route one, to gain fifty yards with all the forwards in support, Fethard showed its intent. Daniel Hickey began to play the corners and with Colm Shanahan playing the best rugby of his career. He conspired with Michael John Murphy and Robert Hall to win a line out on Kilfeacle’s 25 and with quick ball from Conor Kavanagh, who again excelled at scrum half, released Kieran Power for the first and only try of the game. Daniel’s conversion attempt went wide off the post.

The Fethard team were now firing on all cylinders and the attacking runs from the backs was amazing to see. Thomas Nolan, Ciaran Power and Aaron Conran broke the defensive line so many times it lifted the entire team. The Kilfeacle side resorted to kicking out of defence, but our young full back Joe Morgan handled everything they threw at him with the maturity of a professional.

The forwards at this stage were dominating the bigger Kilfeacle pack and Robert Hall and Michael John Murphy were now winning all the line outs and any one they missed, ‘Bomber’ Shanahan contrived to win it back for Fethard. This pressure from Fethard yielded a penalty which Daniel Hickey converted to leave the score at eight points to three.

From the kick off Kilfeacle attacked with purpose which was very well defended by Fethard, but at a cost, as every parent present groaned with anxiety, as two of out stars Thomas Nolan and young Frankie O’Donovan lay prostrate on the field. Thank God both young men were fine with Thomas continuing and almost breaking way for a try on the restart gaining all of 50 yards. Frankie, having played very well, had to retire with an egg size bump on his forehead, but within minutes, this brave young man was cheering on his team mates as he held an ice-pack to his bump.

Frankie’s spirit epitomizes the spirit, purpose, commitment and dedication shown by these young men all season. They, all of them from 1-25, did themselves proud, their parents proud and their club proud, and the promise for these men is, that with the quality of the coaching available to them in Fethard, they can look forward to great and enjoyable careers playing rugby.

The victorious team were paraded through Fethard and arrived back at the Community Field at 3.30 for the end of season barbecue, where our club president Jimmy O’Sullivan welcomed them back and their coach and our club chairman, Paul Kavanagh, thanked them for their sportsmanship and the sense of pride he felt for their success.

God smiled on us as the threatened rain never came and with the music blaring out from our D.J. Jack Kenny the games played were great craic and the food tasted so sweet, with loads for everyone. A big thanks to all the parents who donated so much food, and to Conor Murray for sponsoring the beautiful burgers, rumour has it that Conor is thinking of a career on TV  George Hook look out! A big thank you to all the cooks on the day led by super chef Ger Manton and that coach turned head grill chef Tony Fitzgerald.

Fethard & Killusty Community LottoThe numbers drawn on Wednesday 18th April were: 16, 18, 21 and 23. There was no Jackpot winners and no Match 3 winner so three tickets were drawn and the following won €50 each:

Fethard’s Munster PlayerCongratulations are due to Fethard girl Lisa Anglim who has made it on to the Munster under-18 rugby squad. Lisa, age 15, togged out on the squad last week when they played a challenge match against the English under 18 champions, Worchester, in their first game of the season.

The squad will soon be in action against teams from each of the other provinces. Their first match is against Ulster. Both date and venue have yet to be confirmed. We wish Lisa the best of luck for the coming season.

Social DancingThis Sunday night we will have social dancing at Fethard Ballroom from 9 to 12 to the lovely music maker Peter Burke. All are welcome.

Fethard Bridge ClubThe first round of the Club Championship was put back to 18th April because of the unavailability of the Tirry Centre on 11th April. The results of the first round are:

1st Gross: Berney Myles and Alice Quinn;

2nd Gross: Frances Burke and Breda Walsh;

1st Nett: Olive Looby and Nora Ahearne;

2nd Nett: Rosemary Lalor and David Abell.

On Wednesday next, 2nd May, we play the third round of the Club Championship. Please note the following for your diary: We play for our President’s Prize on 9th May which is one week earlier than originally scheduled, our end of season party will be held at the Fairways Restaurant, Slievenamon Golf Club on Friday 11th May, and our AGM will be held on 16th May, again one week earlier than scheduled.

Anyone looking for a partner contact Berney Myles at 32038.

Community Games AthleticsFethard and Killusty Community Games will hold their Area Athletics on Monday next, April 30th in Fethard Community Sportsfield, Killenaule Road, commencing at 6.30pm. Entry fee €2. All competitors must be under the age specified on July 31st and must reside in the parish. Races are under-8, 60m and 80m; under-10, 100m and 200m; under-12, 100m and 600m; under-14, 100m and 800m; under-16, 100m and 1500m. Enquiries to games office at Tel: (052) 31906.

Fethard Ladies FootballFethard Ladies football junior team had an easy victory over Emly in Emly on Sunday last. The under-12 team were beaten by Ardfinnan but will benefit from the experience.

Senior Day at Fethard Day Care CentreThe Fethard & District Day Care Centre will hold a Senior Day on this Friday 27th April commencing at 11am. The chiropodist will attend and the cost of this service if needed is €10. The district nurse will also be in attendance. A hot meal will also be served at a cost of €5. This service is open to all our senior citizens so please come along.

Fethard GAA Club NewsThe County Senior Football League penultimate stage was just missed by a score difference of two points. Best of luck to all those remaining in the semifinals. Our seniors are busy preparing for the county championship, which is due to start in two weeks time.

Our Minor Footballers are due to play this weekend. Check sports page for details. Well done to Christopher Sheehan who was on Tipperary team that beat Clare in the Munster Minor Football Championship replay last Saturday in Kilmallock and is also on the panel for the game against Waterford on Wednesday 25th April, with our own Brian Burke one of the team selectors.

Fethard Juvenile GAA ClubIt has been a busy few weeks in the Juvenile Club with matches being played at all levels. Our under-10s were at home to Clonmel Commercials in a challenge match on Sunday of last week and it was the first time this team had played together. Some wonderful displays of talent and skills were very evident and a well deserved draw was the final score on the day. Our thanks to Commercials for coming to play us in Fethard.

The under-12s have played two matches in their championship bid and came away with two great wins. Their first match was at home to Mullinahone and they came away with a convincing win. They were then home to St Patricks on Saturday morning of last week and a great game of football was watched by all that turned out to see them play. These young lads did themselves, their club and trainers proud and their one point victory was well deserved. Being two points down in the final minutes of the game, their determination got them the win they deserved, having to fight hard every step of the way up the field. Their outstanding teamwork and strength allowed Dion Butler to score an outstanding goal in the dying minutes to leave them one point clear. A definite nail-biter of a game and one that makes you proud to be a Fethard supporter. This is an outstanding young team many of whom will be available again next year. We wish them the very best of luck.

Our under-14s have had no matches but are out on Thursday evening and we wish them the very best of luck in their championship match.

The under-16s were at home in a challenge match to St. Patricks on Saturday morning of last week and what a great match! They came away with a great win showing much improvement in their game play, determination and teamwork. They play two matches this week. Well done to the lads and keep up the good work!

Well done also to Cathal Hurley, Tommy Sheehan, Damien Morrissey, Eoin Fitzgerald, Alan Lawrence, Brian Delahunty, Ger Maher, Frankie O'Donovan and Dean Sharpe on playing with the south Tipp Under-14 football team on Saturday last. Unfortunately they were not in the winning enclosure but it was great to see nine of the local boys representing the Fethard Club.

The club would also like to say well done to Willie Morgan, David Hayes and Brian Healy who played with the under-11 Clerihan soccer team who reached the divisional finals by beating many prominent soccer teams including Clonmel Town.

Well done also to Christopher Sheehan who played with the Tipperary minor footballers who beat Clare last week in a thrilling replay. They now go on to play Waterford in the Munster semifinal. Well done Chris and good luck.

Another reminder please that membership fees are now due, €15 per child. Any queries please phone club secretary Caroline Sheehan Tel: 086 1713502.

Spanish StudentsFamilies with teenage children from 12-16 years are wanted for accommodation for Spanish students who will visit the area for four weeks in July. A total of €850 will be paid for the four weeks. No school. For more details please telephone: 086 1574880.